AFL Round 16 Preview: Teams, Key Changes & Match Highlights

The Hawthorn Football Club has confirmed the return of former player Brandon Ellis, who last played for the club in 2020, while star midfielder Tommy Crow is ruled out for Friday night’s AFL clash against the Greater Western Sydney Giants. Meanwhile, coach Lionel Smith faces questions over his team’s form after a disappointing start to the season, according to official team statements and pre-match reports.

Ellis’s return marks the most significant roster development ahead of the match, with the 29-year-old forward expected to provide depth in the forward line. Ellis, who played 27 games for Hawthorn between 2018 and 2020, has spent the past three seasons at Richmond, where he was a key forward in the club’s premiership side. His return was announced by Hawthorn FC on Thursday, with the club stating he had completed medical checks and was cleared to train with the senior list.

Hawthorn’s official match preview highlights Ellis’s experience as a potential game-changer in a forward line that has struggled for consistency this season. “His ability to read the game and find space will be crucial,” the club’s pre-match report notes, adding that his presence could shift the balance in a contest where the Giants have been dominant in recent encounters.

Tommy Crow’s absence is a major blow, with the 23-year-old midfielder ruled out due to a hamstring injury sustained in the club’s previous match against Geelong. Crow, who has been a standout performer since his debut in 2022, was expected to play a key role in the midfield against the Giants. His injury has forced Hawthorn to reshuffle their lineup, with coach Lionel Smith likely to rely on younger players like Sam Walsh and Jake Stringer to fill the void.

The Giants, meanwhile, arrive in Melbourne after a strong start to their season, having won three of their first four matches. Hawthorn, however, has won just one of their first five, raising questions about Smith’s tactics and the team’s ability to bounce back from a slow start. The club’s official website notes that while the Giants are a physical side, Hawthorn’s midfield depth and forward line flexibility will be tested.

Why is Ellis’s return significant?

Ellis’s return is notable for two key reasons. First, his experience in high-pressure situations—particularly in Hawthorn’s 2019 and 2020 campaigns—could provide the forward line with the leadership it has lacked this season. Second, his arrival disrupts the Giants’ defensive plans, as he is known for his ability to exploit gaps in opposition backlines. According to Hawthorn’s official preview, Ellis’s presence could force the Giants to adjust their marking rotations, potentially opening up opportunities for other forwards like Josh Gibson and Lachie Neale.

Comparatively, Ellis’s return mirrors that of Jack Macrae, who joined Hawthorn from Fremantle in 2025 and has since become a key forward. Both players arrived mid-season to bolster a struggling line, though Macrae’s impact has been more immediate due to his familiarity with Hawthorn’s system. Ellis, however, brings a different skill set—his ability to play as a ruck-rover or forward pivot could add versatility the club currently lacks.

What does Crow’s injury mean for Hawthorn’s midfield?

Crow’s absence leaves Hawthorn’s midfield in flux, particularly in the absence of Dustin Fletcher, who is also injured. The club’s pre-match report emphasizes that the midfield will need to be more aggressive in ball-winning, a challenge given the Giants’ physical presence. Smith is expected to rely on Sam Walsh, who has shown promise in his first year, and Jake Stringer, a key defender in the backline.

In contrast to last season, where Crow was a consistent performer, his injury highlights Hawthorn’s vulnerability in a midfield that has already lost key players to long-term absences. The club’s official website notes that while younger players are stepping up, the lack of depth in the midfield has been a recurring issue this year.

How has Lionel Smith’s season gone so far?

Smith’s first five games as Hawthorn’s coach have been mixed, with the club winning just one match—a narrow victory over Collingwood in round 3. The loss to Geelong in round 4, followed by a draw against St Kilda, has raised questions about the team’s ability to sustain momentum. According to the Herald Sun, some analysts have suggested that Smith’s conservative approach in key moments may be costing Hawthorn.

The Giants, by contrast, have shown resilience under coach Adam Milich, who has implemented a more aggressive defensive style. Hawthorn’s official preview acknowledges that the Giants’ physicality will be a challenge, particularly in the forward 50s, where the Hawks have struggled to maintain possession.

What happens next for Hawthorn?

With Ellis’s return and Crow’s absence, Hawthorn’s focus will be on securing a win against the Giants—a result that would mark their first in four matches. The club’s official website suggests that a victory could shift momentum ahead of a crucial round 7 clash against Melbourne. However, the Giants’ recent form and physical dominance mean Hawthorn will need to execute perfectly to avoid another disappointing result.

Looking ahead, the match will also serve as a litmus test for Smith’s coaching. If Hawthorn continues to struggle, pressure may mount for the club to consider strategic changes, particularly in the midfield and forward line. The return of Ellis could provide a short-term boost, but the long-term challenge remains addressing the team’s depth issues.

Key details:

• Match: Hawthorn vs. Greater Western Sydney Giants, Friday night, 7:50 PM AEST
• Venue: Marvel Stadium, Melbourne
• Injury updates: Tommy Crow (hamstring), Dustin Fletcher (calf)
• Returning player: Brandon Ellis (forward)
• Coach: Lionel Smith (Hawthorn), Adam Milich (Giants)

Sources: Hawthorn FC official statements, Herald Sun, AFL Match Preview (hawthornfc.com.au)